Independence Day 2019 LIVE: Dressed in a white kurta-pyjama and a colourful turban, PM Modi was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Red Fort. (Express photo/Neeraj Priyadarshi)
India Independence Day 2019 PM Modi Speech Highlights: In his first Independence Day address in NDA’s second term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched upon the achievements of his newly formed government in less than 10 weeks of coming to power — abrogation of Article 370, Article 35A, the passing of triple talaq Bill among others. He also said the decision to repeal Article 370 was a step towards fulfilling Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s dream
“We neither nurse problems nor keep them pending. What could not happen in 70 years happened in less than 70 days. The development of Jammu and Kashmir now depends on us. The spirit of ‘One nation, one Constitution’ is now a reality. Discussions should now be held on one nation one election.” He also slammed the Opposition for politicising the scrapping of special status to Jammu and Kashmir. “Politics comes and goes but steps in the interest of the nation are paramount. If Article 370 was so important and life-changing, why was it not made permanent.”
PM Modi also announced the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission to bring piped water to households and resolved to spend more than Rs 3.5 lakh crore in coming years. He also asked citizens to join the Jal Ministry in water conservation. In his speech, he also remembered the lives lost in the massive floods across multiple parts of India. He also paid homage to the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters in the struggle for independence.
Dressed in a white kurta-pyjama and a colourful turban, PM Modi was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Red Fort. He then inspected Guard of Honour and unfurled tricolour. Before coming to Red Fort, he paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
In Pictures | India celebrates 73rd Independence Day
Modi has used the annual event to announce the Centre's schemes and present a report card of his government's performance. (Express Photo by Amit Mehra/File)
Chargé d'affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia unfurled the National Flag and read out the President's message.
A ceremonial parade was conducted on Thursday at the Naval Base here on the occasion of the nation's 73rd Independence Day. Vice Admiral A K Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, reviewed the parade, comprising 16 platoons including four armed platoons of 24 personnel each. He also laid a wreath in memory of the martyrs who had laid down their lives in the defence of the nation, at the SNC War Memorial, prior to the parade. (PTI)
Through his first Independence Day speech of his second term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought to frame his next five years as a journey to fulfil the aspirations of the people after having attended to their essential needs during the previous five years. Read more
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday gave a clarion call to farmers to gradually reduce use of chemical fertilisers and eventually stop their usage to protect soil health.
"Have we ever thought about the health of the mother earth? The way we are using chemical fertilisers and pesticides, we are destroying the earth," he said adding that no body has right to damage soil health. "I have a request for our farming community...We are going to celebrate 75 years of our Independence. Gandhi has shown us the path. Can we reduce the use of chemical fertilisers by 10 to 25 per cent in our farm lands," the prime minister said adding that a campaign should eventually start to stop their use completely.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi unfurled the national tricolour at the party headquarters here on the 73rd Independence Day on Thursday.
The flag hoisting ceremony was attended by many senior leaders, including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, former party president Rahul Gandhi, Salman Khurshid, Ahmed Patel, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Kapil Sibal, Motilal Vora and Ghulam Nabi Azad.
A group of children present on the occasion greeted Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh who presented them sweets.
Interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi hoists the tricolour at the party office in Delhi. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Kapil Sibal, BS Hooda, Ahmed Patel, Dr.Manmohan Singh and others were present at the party office.
J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik, after hoisting the Tricolour, said, "The changes that the Central Government has brought are not only historic but also open a new door for the development of the people of Jammu-Kashmir, & Ladakh."
J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik hoisted the national tricolour at the Sher-e-Kashmir stadium here in the first Independence Day celebration in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of its special status. After unfurling the flag, Malik inspected the parade of para-military forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police. Restrictions were put in place here in the wake of the abrogation of the special status under Article 370 of the Constitution.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday underlined the ‘achievements of his government within 10 weeks of returning to power’ and cited the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the new law on triple talaq to highlight the key decisions taken to ‘fulfill the aspirations of the people’. Read More
Independence Day celebrations to begin shortly at Sher-i-Kashmir stadium in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar.
BJP MP from Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal (in front) dances while celebrating 73rd Independence Day, in Leh.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary, Bhaiyaji Joshi unfurls the national flag at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also pays tribute.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets children at Red Fort on the occasion of 73rd IndependenceDay.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said his government will invest a massive Rs 100 lakh crore on developing modern infrastructure that will aid in nearly doubling the size of the Indian economy to USD 5 trillion in the next five years. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort here on the 73rd Independence Day, he said reforms will continue to be ushered in to help India break into top 50 countries on the 'ease of doing business' ranking. "To some the target of nearly doubling the size of Indian economy to USD 5 trillion in five years may seem difficult. But when we have in five years (of BJP rule) added USD 1 trillion as compared to USD 2 trillion size achieved in 70 years of independence, then this target is achievable," he said.
On India’s 73rd Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the second NDA government has taken several “pathbreaking” decisions, including abrogation of Article 370, end of Triple Talaq, steps for the welfare of farmers and traders. Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on Thursday, PM Modi said that the old arrangement in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh encouraged corruption and nepotism. Read top quotes from PM Modi's speech today
PM Modi concludes his Independence Day speech.
Talking about tourism in India, PM Modi says, "India has much to offer. I know people travel abroad for holidays but can we think of visiting at least 15 tourist destinations across India before 2022, when we mark 75 years of freedom."
"Digital payments ko haan, nakad ko naa (yes to digital payments and no to cash)"... Can we make this our motto. Let us further the use of digital payments all over the nation: PM Modi
Talking about terrorism, "Those who give protection to terrorism and support it must be exposed. Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka also are affected by terrorism. All countries in the world need to come together to fight this menace."
PM Modi says, "Can we free India from single-use plastic? The time for implementing such an idea has come. May teams be mobilised to work in this direction. Let a significant step be made on October 2 this year." "Our priority should be a 'Made in India' product. Can we think of consuming local products, improving rural economy and the MSME sector," he added.
PM Modi announced that India will have a Chief of Defence Staff- CDS. "Our forces are India's pride. To further sharpen coordination between the forces, I want to announce a major decision from the Red Fort: India will have a Chief of Defence Staff- CDS. This is going to make the forces even more effective."
PM Modi greets people of Afghanistan. "From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I give my greetings to the people of Afghanistan who are marking 100 years of freedom." Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses nation from Red Fort — See photos
PM Modi also says, "The fundamentals of our economy are very strong and this assured us to take the country ahead. "Wealth creation is a great national service.Let us never see wealth creators with suspicion. Only when wealth is created, wealth will be distributed. Wealth creation is absolutely essential. Those who create wealth are India's wealth and we respect them."
PM Modi says, "Today, the Government in India is stable, policy regime is predictable...the world is eager to explore trade with India. We are working to keep prices under check and increase development. The fundamentals of our economy are strong."
PM Modi says, "Time has come to think about how we can boost exports. Each district of India has so much to offer. Let us make local products attractive. May more export hubs emerge. Our guiding principle is Zero Defect, Zero Effect."
PM Modi also says, "I always ask this question..can we not reduce the interference of Governments in people's lives? Let our people have the freedom to follow their own aspirations. We have abolished a lot of laws. Today according to the needs of the 21st century, modern infrastructure is being set up. We have decided to invest Rs 100 lakh crore on the country's infrastructure. Earlier even if a decision was taken on paper that a railway station will be built in an area, there used to be positivity among people for years. Time has changed now, people aren't satisfied with the station, they immediately ask "when will Vande Bharat express come in our area?"
Asserting that people's thinking has changed, PM Modi says, " Earlier, people were happy with merely a plan to make a railway station. Now people ask- when will Vande Bharat Express come to my area. People do not want only good railway stations or bus stations, they ask- when is a good airport coming. Earlier the aspiration was to have a good mobile phone but now, people aspire better data speed. Times are changing and we have to accept that."
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra takes to Twitter to wish the nation on Independence Day
Talking about the water crisis in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Today, I am making an important announcement that now we are going to work on Jal Jeevan Mission. We are committed to spending at least 3.5 lakh crore rupees towards this mission. This movement towards water conservation has to take place at the grassroots level. Common people must engage in this movement. It cannot merely be a Govt program. People from all walks of life have to lead this movement."
Pm Modi says, "I always ask- can we not remove the excess influence of Governments on people's lives. Let our people have the freedom of pursuing their own aspirations, let the right eco-system be made in this regard. India does not want incremental progress. A high jump is needed, our thought process has to be expanded. We have to keep in mind global best practices and build good systems."
PM Modi also talked about One Nation, One Election. "Dream of One Nation, One Tax has been brought to life by the GST. Our nation has also successfully achieved One Nation, One Grid in the power sector. And today, India is talking about One Nation, One Election." He further talked about the ease of doing business saying we will have to change our way of thinking.
PM Modi also says, "Population explosion in the country will create various problems for the coming generations. Those who follow the policy of small family also contribute to the development of the nation, it is also a form of patriotism."
PM Modi also said, "We are continuously working towards removing corruption from our Country. But, it's like a disease. It is so deep that it will take time to remove it completely." "Every effort made to remove corruption and black money is welcome. These are menaces that have ruined India for 70 long years. Let us always reward honesty," he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi for the sixth consecutive time, says, "Those who supported Article 370, India is questioning them, If this was so important then why was this Article not made permanent? After all, those people had huge mandates and could have easily removed its temporary status." He also said "One nation, One Constitution" is now a reality.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that within 10 weeks of returning to power, his government took key decisions to fulfil the aspirations of people and cited the new law on triple talaq and scrapping of special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir. In his address to the nation on 73rd Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort, he said his government has dedicated itself on all fronts in the service of countrymen. Abrogation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir, law to ban the practice of instant triple talaq were some of the key decisions taken by his government soon after assuming power for the second term, he said. "Within two weeks of assuming power, we have dedicated ourselves in fulfilling the aspirations of people on all fronts," he said. Modi also condoled the death of people in recent floods and assured the affected of all help.
PM Modi says that the government is following a plan to fulfil aspirations of New India. "Now is the time to think about the India of the 21st century and how the dreams of the people will be fulfilled. We are following a plan to fulfil aspirations of the New India," he said.
PM Modi also said, "We do not believe in creating problems or dragging them. In less than 70 days of our new Government, Article 370 was revoked, and in both Houses of Parliament, 2/3rd of the members supported this move. The old system in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh led to corruption, nepotism but there was injustice when it came to rights of women, children, Dalits, tribal communities.The dreams of sanitation workers were incomplete. How can we accept this?"
Talking further about abolishing the Triple talaq, PM Modi also said, "Remember how scared Muslim women were, those who suffered due to practice of Triple Talaq, but we ended that. When Islamic nations can ban it then why can't we? When we can ban Sati, when we can take strong steps against female infanticide, child marriage, then why not this?"
PM Modi now talks about the abolition of Triple Talaq. He says, " We have taken a very important step by taking action on Triple Talaq. We have always thought about our Muslim sisters and mothers. If we can remove Sati Pratha, if we can think of equality for women, why shouldn't we think about removing Triple talaq for our Muslim women?"
On the occasion of Independence Day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to congratulate the nation. "'Complete independence will be complete only to the extent of our approach in practice to truth and nonviolence.' - Mahatma Gandhi. My best wishes to all of you on this our 73rd Independence Day."
PM Modi also talks about the importance of water conservation. He says, "The country fully understands the importance of water conservation and that is why a ministry for Jal Shakti has been formed. Steps have been taken to make the medical sector even more people-friendly." This is the time to think about the India of the 21st century and how the dreams of the people will be fulfilled, he says.
PM Modi says, "When I took over in 2014, people used to think "will this country change? But our hard work and dedication have changed so many things. People got to know in these years that our country can change, and we can't remain laid back. Before the elections in 2013-2014 I went all over the country in order to try to understand the feelings of the people. There was disappointment on everyone's face, people used to think can this country change?"
"In 2019, I was amazed, the mood of the people of the country had changed, disappointment had turned into optimism, dreams became connected with desire and everyone was on the same page that this country can change," he added.
PM Modi said, "Today, when we are marking Independence Day, many of our citizens are suffering due to floods in various parts of the country. We stand in solidarity with those who are affected by the floods."
PM Modi says, "The new govt has not completed even 10 weeks, but in this short span of time, we have taken important steps in every sector including Article 370, Triple Talaq. As we celebrate Independence day today, I bow down to all brave freedom fighters who laid their lives for our freedom. I congratulate all my brothers and sisters a very happy Rakshabandhan. May this festival of love fulfils all our aspirations."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unfurled the Tricolour at Red Fort. he has started addressing the nation. Follow our LIVE blog to get all the information about his speech today!
National Anthem is being played at the Red Fort. The parade has begun and PM Modi is going to hoist the tricolour shortly! The PM’s speech will be broadcast live on television as well as streamed live on the Internet. You can watch his speech as well as the proceedings from the Red Fort on TV Channels like Doordarshan, Lok Sabha TV, Rajya Sabha TV. Viewers can also watch the speech on the prime minister’s personal website- narendramodi.in.
PM Narendra PM Narendra Modi walking towards the dais to address the Nation at the Red Fort, on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day in Delhi. Stay tuned to our LIVE blog for all the updates!
Security forces stepped up vigil across the Valley ahead of Independence Day as authorities prepared for the main event in Srinagar where Governor Satya Pal Malik will hoist the Tricolour Thursday.
On Wednesday, the tenth day of the lockdown, restrictions were eased in Srinagar to allow public and vehicle movement even as officials said the curbs will return Thursday. Barricades and concertina wire spools have come up on roads leading to the Sher-i-Kashmir stadium, the venue for the Independence Day event. Read More
Ahead of the 73rd Independence Day celebrations in the country, multi-layered security arrangements are in place across the national capital. In wake of the abrogation of Article 370 that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir, security has been beefed up across New Delhi and neighbouring border areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at the Red Fort. He will address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi after hoisting the Tricolour shortly. This will be the Prime Minister’s first Independence Day speech after returning to power with a thumping majority in the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hoists the tricolour at his residence.
Visitors, performers and jawans gather at the Red Fort ahead of Independence Day celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation shortly, from here.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. He will move to Red Fort now to hoist the tricolour. Stay tuned to get the live updates!
This year, Independence Day has coincided with Raksha Bandhan which falls on the last day of Sharavana.
Rain lashed parts of Delhi early Thursday morning bringing down temperatures significantly. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in the national capital today and several parts of the country including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Coastal Karnataka and Gujarat. Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi after hoisting the Tricolour.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to greet the nation on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day. "Happy Independence Day to all my fellow Indians. Jai Hind!" he tweeted.
Hello and welcome to our LIVE blog. India is celebrating its 73rd Independence Day today and Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday will address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi after hoisting the Tricolour. Follow to get all the latest updates here!